Talking about suicide 'could save lives', says public health director
Community scheme helping people start difficult conversations
People are being encouraged to become Orange Button wearers as part of efforts to break the stigma around suicide in Northamptonshire.
The badge identifies trained volunteers who can listen, talk about suicide and direct people towards appropriate support services.
Jane Bethea, Director of Public Health for North Northamptonshire, said creating opportunities for people to talk openly about suicide could make a "huge difference" and help save lives.
Bethea said stigma around suicide remained a major barrier to people seeking help, despite growing awareness of mental health issues in recent years.
Her comments come after North Northamptonshire Council approved the new Northamptonshire Suicide Prevention Strategy 2026-2031, which aims to reduce suicides and improve access to support across the county.
Bethea said: "One of the big issues with suicide is that there is still some stigma around suicide and people feel that they don't want to talk about it if they're feeling suicidal."
She said creating spaces where people felt able to have "that critical chat" was a key part of prevention efforts.
'Latest figures show an average of 77 people die by suicide each year across Northamptonshire, with men accounting for around three-quarters of deaths'
Bethea said significant progress had been made in encouraging people, particularly men, to talk more openly about mental health.
"For somebody of my age, I can remember a time when men did not talk nearly as much about their mental health," she said.
"I have sons in their early 20s now. It is much more of a conversation and that is fantastic."
She praised public figures who had spoken openly about their own struggles, saying it had helped normalise conversations around mental wellbeing.
However, she said there was still "some way to go" before the stigma surrounding suicide was fully removed.
"As one Orange Button holder said to me only the other day, 'If I help one person in the whole time I ever wear an Orange Button, then that has been absolutely worth it'," she said.
'It's really important and having that space to talk, for some people, is just that huge difference'
The newly approved strategy was developed jointly by North Northamptonshire Council, West Northamptonshire Council, the NHS and voluntary sector organisations.
It includes the continued expansion of the Orange Button scheme, which identifies trained members of the public who are willing to talk about suicide and signpost people to appropriate support.
Bethea stressed that those wearing the badges were not acting as counsellors, but could provide a listening ear and help people find specialist support.
She also highlighted concerns about rising mental health issues among young people, particularly since the Covid pandemic.
'It is about having those discussions with your children, with those people around you about how are you feeling'
While acknowledging concerns around harmful content online, she said communication remained the most important tool for parents worried about their children.
"Don't be frightened of having a conversation because it can be frightening if somebody discloses to you that they actually don't want to be here anymore or they're feeling that low."
She added that support was available locally and nationally and urged anyone struggling not to suffer in silence.
"If somebody is feeling like they don't want to be here, there is so much support available," she said.
"With the right support, tomorrow could be a different day."
If you have been affected by the issues in this story, support is available.
The NHS mental health crisis line can be reached by calling 111 and selecting the mental health option.
In Northamptonshire, 24-hour support is also available through Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust on 0800 448 0828.
Support is also available from Samaritans on 116 123 or via the Samaritans website.
For more information about the Orange Button scheme visit www.northnorthants.gov.uk